Congress passed funding bill without disaster aid despite looming hurricane

Congress passed a stopgap funding bill to avoid a government shutdown but excluded billions in disaster relief funding, even as Hurricane Helene bore down on the Southeast.

Andres Picon reports for E&E News.

In short:

• Congress passed a funding extension but left out disaster aid, including FEMA’s depleted relief fund, despite bipartisan support for the funding.
• Lawmakers from disaster-prone areas expressed frustration, citing the urgent need for federal assistance, especially as natural disasters increase.
• FEMA’s disaster relief fund is in significant deficit, facing a $3 billion shortfall by February 2025 without additional funding.

Key quote:

Federal disaster programs “have no money in the bank, essentially, to help people in supporting these long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.”

— Andy Winkler, Bipartisan Policy Center

Why this matters:

With increasing natural disasters, FEMA and other federal programs need funds to respond quickly. Delays in funding can extend recovery times for communities, leaving them vulnerable during future emergencies.

Related: Disaster by choice: The need to create a culture of warning and safety